Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA2, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, White Greyhound of Richmond
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA2, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, White Greyhound of Richmond, Frosted Proof
  • 50 Pence 2021, Sp# QBCSA2, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Queen's Beasts, White Greyhound of Richmond, 10 coin set
Description

When Her Majesty The Queen was crowned in 1953, the entrance to Westminster Abbey was guarded by 10 fantastical creatures – The Queen’s Beasts – created by sculptor James Woodford RA. First sculpted in plaster, the Queen's Beasts have had several homes since their debut, now residing in the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec. However, James Woodford RA also sculpted replicas of the beasts in Portland stone that now sit outside the Kew Gardens in London.

The Queen’s Beasts are issued since 2016 in commemorative coin form, launched one beast at a time. The coins are available in a range of finishes, from mint-condition Brilliant Uncirculated cupro-nickel to Proof editions in silver and gold, struck from 1-ounce to 1-kilo sizes.

The White Greyhound of Richmond is the ninth creature to appear on the Royal Mint’s commemorative “Queen’s Beasts” range following the launch of the Lion of England, Unicorn of Scotland, Red Dragon of Wales, Black Bull of Clarence, Falcon of the Plantagenets, Yale of Beaufort and White Lion of Mortimer.

The entire series' designs are created by engraver Jody Clark.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewelry has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·F·D·50 PENCE·
JC

Reverse

Depicts the White Greyhound of Richmond standing proudly beside a shield of Tudor livery, white and green, with a Tudor Rose ensigned by a Royal Crown dividing date and surrounded by the inscription below.

The greyhound was first used as a royal beast by Edward III. Closely associated with the House of Lancaster, it later became a symbol of the Tudor family when it was bestowed on Edmund Tudor by his half-brother Henry VI. After slaying Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, Edmund’s son was crowned Henry VII. He used the white greyhound to display his Tudor and Lancastrian ancestry, denoting his right to rule. The rose in the badge shows the association of the red and the white elements of Lancaster and York respectively, emphasising the union of the rival houses.

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JC
WHITE GREYHOUND OF RICHMOND

Edge

50 Pence

5th portrait, Reverse Frosted Proof Coin

Queen's Beasts
White Greyhound of Richmond

Subscribe series
Sp# QBCSA2
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 7.86 g
Diameter 22 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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